Connoisseurs know that no store coffee can compare to the satisfaction of sipping a cup of coffee made from home-roasted beans. For most people, the delicious taste of this coffee is what encourages them to consider doing it themselves. For first-timers, roasting coffee beans may seem like a daunting task, and you might even be wondering can you grow coffee in the UK? However, this is much easier than you think, all you have to do is follow these step by step instructions, and you’ll be growing and brewing your own coffee in no time.
By following some simple do’s and don’ts, anyone can roast coffee beans at home. You do not need any specialized gear to be able to begin your coffee roasting adventure. The tips discussed here will allow you to prepare the best coffee at home with appliances and ingredients that are already available there.
Listen To The Sound
When your coffee beans begin to roast, you will hear a crackling sound. That is because the heat is causing the water inside the beans to evaporate. As the temperature keeps on rising, you may notice a change in the crackling sound. It is (sometimes known as second crackling) an indication that your coffee beans are now well roasted and fit for being taken off the heat.
Work On The Colour
For beginners, identifying the difference in cracking sound may be a challenge. In such a case, we recommend that you concentrate on the colour of the coffee beans instead. When you start, the beans will be green. The colour will then change to a yellow, light brown, golden brown and dark brown in order. The point where they change from light brown to a golden brown is when you will hear the first crackling sound. The sound associated with the change from golden brown to dark brown is the second crackling.
Do Not Worry About The Smell
Roasting coffee beans is an experience that requires all your senses, and you cannot ignore the changing aroma. In the initial stages, when the green coffee beans change their colour to yellow, you will get a gassy smell. Do not be alarmed by it and wait patiently. After a while, they will begin to roast and emit smoke. It is then that you will feel the familiar smell of coffee.
Be Careful About The Cooking Time
If you are not going by the sound or colour methods discussed above and you want your coffee beans roasted for a certain number of minutes, then you need to be extra careful. Remember that the seeds will continue to cook even after you them off the source of heat. That is because the residual heat from the pan will still be affecting the means. Thus, for someone preparing home-roasted coffee beans, it is of utmost importance to accounting for this time as well.
Opt For A Ventilated Room
When you roast coffee, you can expect some smoke. The burnt smell lingers on for quite some time. That is why you should carry out the roasting in a well-ventilated room. Wherever possible, try to have a window open. Alternatively, you may use a fan on your oven to make things easier.
Proper Placement Of Coffee Beans
For roasting coffee beans, such as these, make sure that you place them in a layer over the baking dish or frying pan you are using. The arrangement should be such that the beans are close together but do not overlap each other. It is always better to roast coffee beans in small batches. That ensures greater richness of the flavour of the coffee. It is also worth considering a coffee grinder and maker combo to save time and space on your kitchen worktops.
Arranging A Pan For Roasting Beans In A Microwave Oven
You do not have to go out and buy a new container to be able to roast coffee beans. Find an old baking sheet that has a lip. Now drill holes into it in a fashion such that they are half an inch away from each other. Try to use a 1/8 inch drill for this as that will ensure that holes are small enough and beans do not fall through them. Your coffee roasting pan is now ready for use.
Dealing With The Mess Of Chaff
Roasting coffee beans will give you the dry husk of coffee beans, which is also known as chaff. The easiest way to deal with this mess is to take the roasted coffee beans in a colander and shake them hard. To avoid making a mess, do this over a sink or outdoors. The motion will cause the chaff to come off by itself, and you will have your roasted coffee beans ready.
Roasting coffee at home is a skill that improves with experience. With the information provided here, you will now be able to roast your coffee at home. Most people who have opted for these tried-and-tested coffee making methods have not been able to get back to regular store-bought coffee after that. So, with these tips and tricks, we welcome you to a whole new coffee preparation experience.
*collaborative post
